IMDb > The Wrestler (2008)
The Wrestler
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The Wrestler (2008) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 112 | slideshow) Videos (see all 31)
The Wrestler (2008) -- A drama centered on retired professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson as he makes his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival.
The Wrestler (2008) -- Clip: The first 5 minutes of the film
The Wrestler (2008) -- Behind the scenes: Make-up ladies
The Wrestler (2008) -- Danny Boyle discusses how he acquired the rights to the Hindo version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" with director Darren Aronofsky.
The Wrestler (2008) -- UK

Oscar Nominations    Photos    more »

Overview

User Rating:
8.2/10   80,557 votes
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Down 1% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer (WGA):
Robert D. Siegel (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Wrestler on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
30 January 2009 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Love. Pain. Glory.
Plot:
A faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 30 wins & 25 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(1499 articles)
First “Passion Play” Photo!
 (From Filmofilia. 9 February 2010, 4:41 PM, PST)

First Look! Megan Fox and Mickey Rourke in Passion Play
 (From Cinema Blend. 9 February 2010, 2:33 PM, PST)

User Reviews:
Brutal, Honest, Touching film more (427 total)


Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use.
Runtime:
109 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The film reportedly moved wrestler/actor Roddy Piper so much, he broke down and cried after a screening. more
Goofs:
Continuity: Randy is shown a couple times getting his roots bleached. Once at the salon and another time when he tries to do it himself at home. Both times after his hair is bleached, his hair looks exactly the same, with dark roots. more
Quotes:
Randy 'The Ram' Robinson: I don't hear as good as I used to, and I ain't as pretty as I used to be. But I'm still here - I'm the Ram. more
Movie Connections:
Features Pac-Man (1982) (VG) more
Soundtrack:
Balls To The Wall more

FAQ

Where can I get a copy of the soundtrack?
What is the music playing just before Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler"?
Does this film portray professional wrestling as fake or real?
more
217 out of 240 people found the following review useful.
Brutal, Honest, Touching film, 20 January 2009
9/10
Author: Billy_Costigan from United States

The Wrestler is a drama centered around an aging professional wrestler past his prime. It's so much more than that. You don't have to be a fan of wrestling to enjoy this film. The wrestling part of it can be put aside as a back story. Randy "The Ram" could be in any other profession, doing any other thing and could be in the same situation. That's what's so great about it. He's just a lonely guy, whose life seems to have passed him by. A middle aged man who doesn't have much going for him. Sure, he's a wrestler, but he needs wrestling more than wrestling needs him. He needs it to feel important, to feel like a somebody. He really has nothing to show for himself, no wife, just a daughter he hasn't been there for his whole life. Missed opportunities. He's sad and alone and we really do feel for him.

A closer bond seems to be forming between him and his stripper friend, played by Marisa Tomei, who seems to be in a similar situation as he is. The middle aged stripper who seems to have a real connection with "The Ram" is shown in another misunderstood profession. We all may not be as different as we may think. Health problems compromise his wrestling career as he tries to deal with the real world and rebuild his relationship with his abandoned daughter. The scenes with Evan Rachel Wood (his daughter) are touching. Beautifully done. Rourke's character portrayal of the Ram is one of the best in a long time. He's not just acting, he transforms into the character on screen. It's amazing to watch. All the credit he's getting is truly deserved.

The film is Directed by Darren Aronofsky, who also directed Requiem for a Dream. He does a beautiful job showing the sport with realism. The film respects the wrestlers and their world, and expects the same from the audience. This film is done in a style that's so real, so honest, so amazing, in easily one of the best films of the year. All around great performances and great direction. Definitely worth checking out sometime.

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does randy the ram die in the end ? tugginmyphuda
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